I’ve been a dedicated iPhone user since the very first model launched in 2008, and my daily driver for the past year has been the iPhone 15 Pro. It’s safe to say I’m a big Apple fan. However, even with my unwavering loyalty, I can’t help but admit that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is one of the best smartphones released this year. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s the iPhone Pro I’ve always wanted. It’s that good. Let me explain why.
For years, I’ve opted for smaller iPhones, preferring the compact size and handling. As a woman with petite hands, I find large phones cumbersome to hold and use, especially with one hand. The limited space in my pockets and bags adds to the challenge. But my preference for smaller phones doesn’t stop me from wanting the best features, especially when it comes to cameras. I rely heavily on my smartphone for photography and videography, so I always go for the Pro models, which typically offer superior cameras and displays.
With previous iPhone Pro models, Apple maintained consistent camera systems across different sizes. However, the iPhone 15 Pro series introduced a frustrating discrepancy. Only the larger Pro Max model received the impressive 5x optical zoom with a new periscope camera. This left those who preferred the smaller Pro model with a less powerful telephoto lens and only 3x optical zoom. While I still opted for the iPhone 15 Pro due to its size, the lack of a better zoom lens was a significant disappointment.
Thankfully, Google avoided making the same mistake with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both models boast identical features, including the powerful cameras with 5x optical zoom. The only differences lie in display size, battery capacity, and charging speeds. This marks the first time Google has used the XL moniker since the Pixel 4 XL in 2019, and I’m incredibly grateful for its return. By offering a larger XL option, users who prefer a smaller phone (like me) can enjoy the same powerful features without compromising on size.
While rumors suggest Apple might address this issue with the iPhone 16 Pro, who’s to say the Pro Max won’t receive even more upgrades? The Google Pixel 9 series offers a phone for everyone, ensuring that every user can find the perfect fit.
I’ve always been a fan of Pixel hardware, but this year’s Pixel 9 lineup feels like a monumental upgrade. It’s as if iPhone hardware is running Android, and I have to give Google major credit for achieving this. The Pixel 9’s iPhone-inspired design is not surprising. We now have flat edges, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy S24 line, and I love this change. The flattened sides and rounded corners of the Pixel 9 Pro make it exceptionally comfortable to hold and use, especially with one hand. Google has also redesigned the iconic Pixel camera bar, transforming it into an elongated, pill-shaped camera island. While some may not favor this new look, I absolutely love it. It’s still unmistakably Pixel but appears more modern and sleek. It’s a visual upgrade that I wholeheartedly appreciate.
Beyond the size, I’m also a fan of the Pixel 9 Pro’s overall feel. The polished aluminum frame, though prone to smudges, mimics a stainless steel finish, and the matte back glass provides a secure grip. It’s undeniably a premium phone in every sense of the word.
Pink is my favorite color. I own countless pink items, and I’ll always choose pink if given the option. I’m a pink girl through and through. When Apple introduced the rose gold iPhone 6S, it instantly became one of my favorite iPhone colors. Despite its name, it was more of a metallic rose pink, and I loved it. While Apple brought back the rose gold color for the first-generation iPhone SE and iPhone 7, it never returned after that. Fortunately, Google answered my call and delivered a pink Pixel 9 Pro. Although I prefer the vibrant Peony Pixel 9, the Rose Quartz Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are equally fantastic. They offer a more subtle and classy aesthetic, reminding me of my beloved rose gold iPhone days. I’d still choose a pink iPhone Pro in a heartbeat. Instead, Apple seems to think brown is what people want. Sigh.
It’s hard to believe we’re already past the halfway point of 2024, with only Apple’s iPhone 16 event remaining as the year’s final major smartphone release. I’ve used numerous phones this year, but the Google Pixel 9 Pro stands out for me. The updated look of the Pixel 9 line has been phenomenal. I was initially indifferent when rumors started circulating, but now that I’ve been using these phones for a few weeks, they’ve grown on me. The flat edges and new camera module complement each other perfectly and give the Pixel 9 Pro a distinct look. And I absolutely adore that Google is providing us small-phone fans with a Pro model without sacrificing features. And let’s not forget the beautiful Rose Quartz color. Whenever possible, I reach for my Pixel 9 Pro over my iPhone 15 Pro, especially for photography. Google has given me the pro phone of my dreams, something Apple couldn’t do, and that’s no small feat.
